As foods go, beans are one of the healthiest, cheapest options out there. High in protein and fiber and costing just pennies per serving, beans can be dressed up or down, served along with meat or as a protein source all their own, and kept on your pantry shelf for months.

I love beans. I also know, though, that if you aren’t already a big bean fan, beans can seem pretty boring. Suggestions like “just toss them in a salad!” often aren’t all that helpful. So instead, here is a big collection of recipes that you can use beans in, from dips to main dishes and more. (See also: 25 Things to Do With Rotisserie Chicken)

Also, it's a point of contention it's better to use dry or canned beans. Personally, I use dry — they're cheaper and don't have extra sodium in them. Canned beans, however, are a great convenience. Use what works for you.

Dips and Spreads

Dips and spreads are a great way to use beans. They're also the main reason why I try to keep at least one can of beans around — if I have unexpected guests, it's easy to whip up a bowl of hummus or black bean dip from ingredients in the pantry.

1. Hummus

All right, yeah, you probably expected to see hummus on this list. But it deserves to be here. It's gosh darn good, and it's easy to make yourself. The paprika-topped hummus recipe from Zahav, one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia, is fantastic.

2. Hummusy Baba Ganoush

If you want a change from the normal hummus, try this baba ganoush recipe — while it isn't typical, this particular version of the eggplant dip includes chickpeas as well.

3. Balsamic Bean Dip

Chickpeas aren't the only beans that lend themselves to a good blended bean dip or spread — this balsamic bean dip uses cannellini beans and balsamic vinegar for a different twist.

4. Black Bean Dip

Oh man, looking at black bean dip recipes makes me want to go to some sort of sports-watching gathering so badly. I must confess, I have kind of an addiction to tortilla chips.

5. White Bean Spread With Garlic and Rosemary

Garlic and rosemary are two of my favorite flavors, which means I couldn't resist this white bean spread that, according to the recipe, can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Soups

In the winter, there isn't much that's better than a warm bowl of soup — and protein-filled beans can help make soup a complete meal.

6. Artichoke and White Bean Soup

This artichoke and white bean soup from EatingWell comes together super fast when you have canned beans and artichokes. Even though it's not your traditional brothy soup, I ate this the last time I was sick. I loved being able to throw it together so fast.

7. African Chickpea Stew

This African chickpea stew recipe is very similar to one I used to make for work lunches. With chickpeas, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and kale, it makes a warm and filling one-pot meal.

8. Quick Minestrone

If you need a fast dinner, this quick minestrone from Epicurious can help you out.

Adam at the Amateur Gourmet whips up Ribollita, a soup that combines beans and cheap veggies like cabbage and kale. He also throws in the rind from his Parmesean, which is a great way to flavor soup and use up ALL the cheese.

Main Dishes

Beans' high protein make them an ideal (and super-frugal) stand-in for meat in meals.

11. Baked Beans

My mother's baked beans are one of my favorite recipes of all time. With just a little bit of salt pork, molasses, onion, and garlic, a $1.29 bag of white beans becomes a warm, delicious, and filling main dish that can feed a family and leave leftovers. I serve these with coleslaw and either brown bread or corn bread.

12. Socca

Okay, so this chickpea pancake uses somewhat-more-expensive chickpea flour. But it's just too good not to include. Every time I cook it, I'm amazed by how so few ingredients can quickly turn into a delightful, crispy, filling dish. The recipe from Mark Bittman talks about serving it as an appetizer, but my favorite way to serve it is as a main dish, topped with a warm salad of your choice.

13. Bean Burritos

When I think of bean burritos, I think of two different kinds. The first is like this refried bean burritos recipe — it's similar to one my mom made growing up, except we didn't include rice, added onion, and replaced the salsa with diced tomatoes. The second kind uses whole beans and more ingredients, like this bean burrito recipe from Martha Stewart.

14. Catalan Sauteed Polenta and Butter Beans

You might also know butter beans by their less-popular name — lima beans. In this Spanish-inspired recipe, they're paired with polenta (which you can easily make from scratch instead of buying the prepared tube recommended).

15. Cuban Black Beans

I've also made this Cuban black beans recipe with red kidney beans. They work well served over rice as a main dish (and a side of fried plantains, if you feel like it), or as a side dish.

My friend Ashley over at (never home) maker offers up this uber-quick vegan sloppy joes recipe that uses canned vegetarian baked beans as a base, although you could easily substitute your own homemade beans.

18. Chickpea Tikka Masala

Go Indian with this spicy chickpea tikka masala. If you have an Indian grocery nearby, visit it to find garam masala (and other Indian spices) on the cheap. You might be floored by how much you've been paying for "exotic" spices at your local grocery store.

19. Baked Tostones With Lime Tequila Black Beans

The blog 30 Bucks a Week follows the adventures of a couple, uh...well, you can probably guess what they're doing. Personally, I love (good) tequila, so I'm pretty excited by this lime tequila black beans recipe.

20. Marinated White Beans and Beets

I'm obsessed with anything that features a vinegar tang (except normal pickles — I know, I know, don't yell), which is part of the reason why I'm entranced by this healthy bean and beet dish.

Meat Stretchers

All right, yeah, beans are a great stand-in for meat. But sometimes, you want meat too. In that case, use beans as a way to stretch costly meat with these recipes.

21. Beef Chili With Kidney Beans

Make a meaty chili serve more folks with the addition of kidney beans.

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